Florida has enacted a strict new law regulating minors’ use of social media platforms. Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed House Bill 3 into law, imposing age verification requirements and mandating parental consent for those under 16.
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What Does Florida’s Social Media Law Do?
- Prohibits children under 14 from accessing or using social media platforms
- Requires 14-15-year-olds to obtain parental/guardian consent to use social media
- Parents must submit signed consent forms or authorization through the verification platform
- Mandates social media companies to delete underage accounts if requested
- Compels platforms to establish age verification for “harmful content”
- Imposes fines of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance
Key Details
- Takes effect January 1, 2024
- Email and news outlets are exempt
- Anonymous age verification allowed to protect privacy
- Legal challenges expected from industry
Law targets platforms with:
- Infinite scrolling
- Displaying reaction metrics
- Auto-playing videos
- Live-streaming capability
Why Did Florida Pass This Social Media Law?
Supporters like House Speaker Paul Renner argue it addresses risks of youth using addictive technologies. They emphasize parents’ rights to oversee children’s internet use.
“I want parents across Florida to have the peace of mind of knowing their kids aren’t being targeted by dangerous platforms,” said cosponsor Rep. Blaise Ingoglia.
Critics counter it threatens free expression and privacy. NetChoice sued over Florida’s similar 2021 law later blocked on First Amendment grounds. This new version faces lawsuits too.
How Will Florida Enforce Parental Consent?
While details remain pending, compliance mechanisms for age verification and parental permission may include:
- Signed consent forms submitted to platforms
- Third-party digital verification through IDs
- Video conference verification session with parents
| Requirement | Process |
| Under 14 ban | Lock out through age-gating system |
| 14-15 consent | Confirm form/record before enabling access |
| Delete underage account | Disable within 5 business days of request |
- Companies must establish infrastructure and protocols to support enforcement
- State agencies can impose fines for violations discovered through audits
More News Regarding United States?
What Should Parents Do Now?
Although the law won’t take effect until January 2024, experts advise parents take preparatory steps:
- Learn about existing parental control options on major platforms
- Discuss appropriate social media use with children across age groups
- Review terms of use and privacy policies more closely
- Provide informed input during the law’s ongoing development
- Watch for consent mechanisms made available as the deadline nears
While supporters call this the nation’s “strictest social media law,” its long-term impact remains uncertain given past legal obstacles.
How Florida implements and enforces parental consent could offer a template for other states — if it overcomes promised lawsuits arguing it violates companies’ First Amendment and due process rights.
